Expert Heart Care: Coronary Angiogram, Chest Pain, Heart Attack & Stenting Specialist Gold Coast

Taking the Right Steps Towards Better Heart Health

Heart disease can impact everyday life in ways that aren't always easy to recognise. A person may feel discomfort walking or experience breathlessness when doing normal activity or feel unusually tired without thinking that these symptoms are a sign of heart problems.

Recognising these changes and consulting with the right specialist can help identify potential cardiovascular issues before they escalate.

Dr. Shailesh Khatri is an interventional cardiologist on the Gold Coast who specialises in the investigation and treatment of cardiovascular problems. His scope of practice includes coronary angiography, Angioplasty doctor and stenting. With his expertise you can gain clarity on the specialist assessment and treatment options available to you.

Chest Discomfort and Understanding What Your Body is Telling You

Chest discomfort has many causes from muscle pain to heart disease, and the location, duration and nature of the discomfort can help to provide insight, but symptoms alone can't be used to establish a diagnosis. A cardiac assessment may be appropriate when chest discomfort is unexplained, recurrent or associated with physical activity.

Symptoms to watch out for include:

• Tightness, pressure or a heavy feeling in the chest.

• Discomfort that occurs during physical exertion.

• Pain radiating to the arms, shoulders, jaw or back.

• Shortness of breath or decreased exercise tolerance.

• Unusual fatigue, dizziness or nausea.

Some people with heart disease will have symptoms that are non-typical. Never ignore possible heart attack symptoms. If the chest pain is sudden, severe and persistent, or occurs with sweating, nausea or difficulty breathing, call 000 immediately in Australia.

Heart Attacks and Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed, usually due to plaque deposits forming in the arteries. This can result in reduced ability of the heart muscle to receive oxygen-rich blood. In some cases, plaque can rupture causing blood clots to form, which can completely block the flow of blood and result in a heart attack.

Understanding the relationship between coronary artery disease and heart attacks can help to identify the importance of appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include:

• High blood pressure.

• Elevated cholesterol.

• Diabetes.

• Smoking.

• Physical inactivity.

A family history of cardiovascular disease.

Age and other conditions can also play a part. Regular assessments can assist in determining risk factors and treatment.

If a heart attack is suspected, emergency treatment takes priority and further investigations can be undertaken to help the cardiologist to identify the issue and determine the most suitable course of treatment.

Coronary Angiography: A Closer Look at Your Blood Vessels

Coronary angiography may be recommended if there are symptoms or if initial investigations point to a problem with the coronary arteries.

This procedure creates images of the arteries that supply the heart. These images help the treating team to see narrowing of the artery, blockages and any other abnormalities which may be impacting circulation.

What happens during the procedure?

Preparatory review: The medical team reviews the patient's health, medications and test results.

Catheter insertion: A thin tube is inserted into a blood vessel, commonly in the wrist or groin.

Contrast imaging: A contrast dye is injected to allow the coronary arteries to be viewed on x-ray imaging.

Treatment planning: The images can help the cardiologist to determine the location and severity of any narrowing as well as the most suitable treatment.

Coronary angiography can be used to determine the medication, further investigations or interventional procedures that may be most suitable. The recommended course of treatment will be based on the patient's symptoms, test results and overall health.

When is coronary stenting appropriate?

A coronary stent is a small mesh tube that is used to help a narrowed artery maintain its shape and keep blood flowing, and is placed during a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention, which may include balloon angioplasty. The procedure can help to improve blood flow through a narrowed section of a coronary artery and may be used in some people with heart attacks or on-going signs of impaired circulation.

Reasons for considering stenting

A cardiologist may consider this treatment when:

• A coronary artery has significant narrowing.

• Symptoms are linked to reduced blood flow.

• An artery needs to be opened as part of emergency treatment of a heart attack.

• The location and characteristics of the blockage are suitable for catheter-based treatment.

Stenting is not always required for people with coronary artery disease. Some people can be treated with medication and management of risk factors and others may be candidates for alternative procedures. Patients should also be aware of the benefits and risks of such treatment whenever possible. Following stenting it is important to take your medication as prescribed and for your follow-up review.

A Patient-Focused Approach to Interventional Cardiology

Choosing treatment for your heart condition involves more than simply determining if a person has a blocked artery. Doctors must take symptoms, treatment for other medical conditions, the extent of the coronary disease and an individual's overall treatment goals into account. Dr. Shailesh Khatri offers specialist interventional cardiology services on the Gold Coast. Patients can learn more about his services and discuss their cardiac concerns through the appropriate clinical consultation process.

Depending on your situation specialist consultation may include:

• Investigating unexplained chest pain.

• Assessing suspected coronary artery disease.

• Reviewing the need for coronary angiography.

• Reviewing angioplasty and stenting if indicated.

• Reviewing cardiovascular medications and risk factors.

• Planning follow-up and preventive heart care.

A discussion can help to help patients to understand their diagnosis, the available options and why a specific course of treatment may be suggested.

Maintaining Heart Health After Diagnosis or Treatment

Maintaining heart health is an on-going process. Even following a successful procedure, cardiovascular risk factors should be carefully managed.

• Steps to help maintain heart health include:

• Eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruit and whole grains.

• Maintaining an appropriate level of physical activity.

• Avoiding smoking and tobacco exposure.

• Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol levels and diabetes.

• Taking medicines as prescribed.

• Attending regular reviews and cardiac rehab when indicated.

Patients should discuss any significant changes to their exercise program or medication with their healthcare team. Preventative care can help to reduce cardiovascular risk and support long-term wellbeing, but new or worsening symptoms should always be assessed.

Specialist Heart Care with Dr. Shailesh Khatri

Access to quality information can help to make sense of cardiac investigations and treatment. Whether you have concerns regarding recurrent chest discomfort, suspicion of coronary artery disease or a referral for angiography or stenting, a specialist assessment can help to understand the potential issues and next steps. Dr. Shailesh Khatri offers interventional cardiology services on the Gold Coast, including assessment and treatment involving coronary angiography, angioplasty and stenting where clinically indicated.

Taking concerns about heart health seriously and consulting with a specialist can be key steps towards appropriate diagnosis and care. In the event of symptoms of a heart attack, call 000 immediately rather than waiting to see a doctor at a convenient time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why might a cardiologist recommend a coronary angiogram?

It can help to identify narrowed or blocked coronary arteries if symptoms or other investigations point to a problem with the heart's blood supply.

2. Can a coronary angiogram lead to stenting during the same procedure?

In some cases, angioplasty and stenting can be performed during the same session if the findings, clinical circumstances and treatment plan indicate this would be appropriate.

3. Does chest pain always indicate heart disease?

No. Chest pain has many causes, but serious cardiac causes should always be considered. Emergency symptoms require immediate medical attention.

4. What should patients do after coronary stenting?

Follow the instructions of the treating team, take all prescribed medication and attend follow-up appointments as well as discussing any lifestyle changes.

5. Where can I find information about Dr. Shailesh Khatri?

For information regarding Dr. Shailesh Khatri and his specialist cardiology services on the Gold Coast.